The other day I was at George Mason University, getting some logistical preparation for my study abroad set. Afterward, I went to meet a friend at the JC infodesk for lunch. I was early, so I sat down to read a book. I was indoors, and many people crowded the waiting area. Everyone’s voices together created a indistinguishable cacophony of noise. I hadn’t gotten but a paragraph or two into my reading, however, when something rose out of the cacophony to my ears, piercingly clear and sharp. I don’t even remember exactly what was said, beyond “Anoo,” and a few “Soo desu ne’s,” but my body froze in delighted shock. Of all the people in this place to sit next to, I thought, I pick the one seat next to the two Japanese in the entire building?! (For those of you unfamiliar with the Fairfax area, either there are very few Japanese around here, or else I have no idea how to find them.)

For almost a minute, maybe more, I sat there, completely dumbfounded, doing double takes and jaw drops and widening my eyes as two Japanese rattled off their language perfectly and rapidly to each other, the consonant-vowel rhythm unmistakable. I gotta talk to them, I thought. No you’d look like a fool. Or worse–a stalker. Hopefully I don’t come across that way, though I do sometimes wonder–Okay, here we go. I leaned over and started a slightly awkward conversation. Once I started speaking Japanese, it broke the ice a bit. I was just so caught off-guard that I didn’t know what to say. I probably came across as a stalker–good thing it was a guy -.- Nevertheless, meeting a Japanese always makes my day 😀

I’ve heard about people in Japan who are like me–they hunt for Americans. 66 days until the tables are turned 😛

Advertisements

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

About Stephen

My name is Stephen Gabriel Falke, and I am passionate for all things Japanese. I have been accepted to teach for the JET Program starting 2015. In the past, during my time in college, I also had the chance to participate in a study abroad at Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan, for Japan's 2012 school year. On my blog I write about my love for Japan, my journey to get there and stay there, and my adventures studying and teaching there.

One Response to A Sixth Sense?

it reminds me of going to Liberty University… there was, probably the only Japanese guy in the entire school, in my class of maybe a hundred students. I forget, it might have been biology, but I went to talk to him after class, so cool.